Kauai Camping: Reservations, Permits, Cost, & All Campsites

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Kauai is one of the most popular camping islands in Hawaii. However, choosing where to camp on Kauai can be confusing, especially considering the different permit and reservation systems. 

We put together this Kauai camping article to explain everything you need to know about camping on Kauai. Whether you’re booking a spot on the beach or a cabin in the mountains, you’ll want to read through this guide to ensure you have everything covered! 

Get a lay of the land with our FREE Kauai Travel Guide
Planning to hike the Kalalau Trail? See our Visiting the Na Pali Coast Guide for details!
Pick the best time to visit Kauai, especially if you plan to camp on the beach!
Add more adventure to your camping vacation with our favorite things to do on Kauai.
In addition to your camping gear, we have you covered on what to pack.

Kauai Camping at a Glance

Map of Kauai Camping Spots

Kauai Camping FAQ

We’ve done the dirty work for you and have answers to all your burning questions.

If you’re interested in camping on any of the other islands, we have an article for that:
Big Island Camping
Oahu Camping
Maui Camping

Can you camp on any beach and anywhere on the island?

No, camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds. You must also ensure you have all the appropriate permits and/or reservations.

Can you sleep in your car on Kauai?

No, car camping is not allowed on the island of Kauai. This applies to normal vehicles as well as campervans and trailers. The only exception is at Kumu Camp, where you can book a camper spot.

Is there camping at Haena Beach Park?

Many people confuse Haena Beach Park with Haena State Park. That is fair, as they’re located less than a mile apart. Camping at Haena Beach Park is not allowed. However, you can camp at Haena State Park at one of the designated campsites, which we’ll cover later.

How much does it cost to camp on Kauai?

The price for camping on Kauai varies depending on the site. Tent camping costs anywhere from $3 to $35 a night for non-residents. Some areas are free for Hawaii residents, while others charge $20 a night.

Private campsites and cabins tend to cost more, with prices starting at $80. Some of these private campgrounds also have bunkhouses and facilities for large groups, which is useful if you’re planning a family reunion or retreat!

If you’re looking for some more budget-friendly resources, we have you covered:
How to Get A Cheap Ticket to Hawaii: 5 Insider’s Tips
How to Honeymoon in Hawaii on a Budget

Can you have campfires on the beach?

No, campfires are not allowed on the beaches on Kauai. Although you might see people building them, they are illegal! They can quickly get out of hand and damage the land, and potentially injure beachgoers. Therefore, stick to the designated pits or grills at your campsite.

What is Rapid ‘Ohi’a Death (ROD)?

Rapid ‘Ohi’a Death is a fungal disease currently spreading across the ‘Ohi’a tree species throughout Hawaii. Infected trees die very quickly (usually within a few weeks), so it’s important to take a few safety precautions to prevent this from spreading further across the islands.

If camping on Kauai, disinfect all your tools and gear with 70% alcohol. Your shoes and clothes should also be cleaned with hot water and soap before and after entering the forest or campground. Local tour guides and local hikers will carry rubbing alcohol in their cars.

Looking to stay busy during your time on Kauai?
The 20 Best Things to Do in Poipu: Kauai’s South Shore
The 12 Best Things to Do in Hanalei: Kauai’s Rugged North Shore
The Best Kauai Hiking Tours

Kauai Camping Permits and Reservations

Kauai is a popular island for camping. Permits are required for most sites, and reservations are highly encouraged, especially if you’re planning to visit during the summer season.

State-run and county-run campsites can usually be reserved online. Private campgrounds and cabins may also have a website for bookings, although others may require you to email or call to reserve your spot.

Campsites: Legal Kauai Camping Locations

Kauai State Campgrounds

Kauai has three state-run campgrounds – Koke’e State Park, Polihale State Park, and Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. 

Reservations for these parks can be made 90 days in advance via the Division of State Parks website. Remember that there is a maximum length stay of 5 consecutive nights at any one park. Once you reach that limit, you’ll need to wait 30 days before staying overnight again in that park.

Koke’e State Park
In the uplands above Waimea Canyon sits Koke’e State Park. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Kalalau Valley and excellent hiking, birding, and even plum-picking opportunities! It’s accessible by car (doesn’t require hiking or 4WD access) and has flushing toilets and showers.

Only nine spots are available, so you must book early if you’re set on staying here. Site 1 can sleep up to 10 people while the other eight can sleep up to six people. 

A campsite costs $30 per night for non-residents and $20 a night for Hawaii residents. Click to make reservations.

Polihale State Park
Polihale State Park is a beautifully remote beachside campground on Kauai’s westernmost tip. With over 17 miles of golden shores, you’ll be able to wake up right on the beach surrounded by crashing waves and rolling sand dunes.  On top of that, you’ll have fantastic sunsets and good views of the Napali Coast sea cliffs!

Since the road leading up to the park is unpaved, four-wheel drive is highly recommended (most rental car companies prohibit driving here, so double-check before you come). It’s very easy to get stuck in the sand or mud if you’re coming during the rainy season.

The cost for a campsite is $30 per night for non-residents and $20 a night for Hawaii residents. Click to make reservations.

Napali Coast State Wilderness Park
If you’re craving a backcountry camping experience, then make sure to spend a couple of nights in the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. With rugged cliffs, narrow valleys, and pristine waterfalls, this spectacular coastline is one of the most famous in all of Hawaii! For this reason, there are limited spots and some special rules you’ll need to abide by if you plan on camping here. 

The park has two main camping areas – Hanakoa and Kalalau. Most people camp in Kalalau, located at the end of the 11-mile (one-way) Kalalau Trail, which is for experienced hikers. However, your permit for Kalalau can also be used for camping in Hanakoa, which is 6 miles from the start of the trailhead. Remember, you can only stay for five consecutive nights in the park regardless of which campground you choose.

Bonus! See our How to Visit the Na Pali Coast for details on hiking and things to do.

Miloli’i Valley is another campground that is only accessible by boat/kayak during the summer months. The beach is very quiet and a great place to spot monk seal and sea turtles. Unlike Hanakoa and Kalalau, campers can only stay here for a maximum of 3 consecutive nights.

Reservations are required and can be made online 90 days in advance. You’ll also need to make separate parking reservations through the Hae’na State Park website (you can only purchase your parking permit AFTER you get your camping permit). Keep in mind that overnight camping requires two days of parking! Otherwise, you can also park at the Alii Kai Resort by calling 808-826-9988, although space here is limited.

If you don’t have a car, you can book a shuttle to drop you off in the park. You can pick up the shuttle at the Waipo Park & Ride. From there, it takes about 30 minutes to reach Hae’na State Park. Roundtrip tickets cost $40 for ages 16 and old and $25 for ages 4 to 15 (under 3 ride free). You can book your shuttle tickets online.

The price to camp here is also a bit higher than the other state parks on Kauai. The rate is $35 a night for non-residents and $25 a night for Hawaii residents.

The North Shore is most pleasant in the summer, and camping is a great way to avoid the notoriously high costs of Kauai in June and July.

Discover more on camping in Hawaii:
Maui Camping
Oahu Camping
Big Island Camping

Kauai County Campgrounds

In addition to the state-run campgrounds, you can also choose to camp at one of the Kauai County campgrounds. The county runs four main sites – Anini Beach Park, Aahola Beach Park, Lydgate Beach Park, and Salt Pond Beach Park.

Camping is limited to six consecutive days (except for Lydgate Beach Park, which is limited to five consecutive days). You can make a reservation online at the County of Kauai Camping website.

Each park is closed for maintenance throughout the week. Here is the current maintenance schedule, which you can plan around:

• Anini Beach Park: maintenance closure Wednesdays 10 am to Thursday 12 pm
• Anahola Beach Park: maintenance closure Thursdays 10 am to Fridays 12 pm
• Lydgate Beach Park: maintenance closure Tuesdays 10 am to Thursdays 12 pm
• Salt Pond Beach Park: maintenance closure Tuesdays 10 am to Wednesdays 12 pm

These are all amazing beaches and make several of our best beach articles for Kauai!
The 10 Best Beaches on Kauai
9 Best Beaches on Kauai for Swimming
The 7 Best Beaches on Kauai in the Winter
The 7 Best Kid-Friendly Beaches on Kauai

Anini Beach Park
Head to the north shore and spend a few days swimming and snorkeling along Anini Beach. This is one of our favorite beaches and campsites for families as it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. There are bathrooms, showers, BBQ girls, and shaded picnic tables and pavilions.

The camp cost is $3 per person per night. This fee is waived if you’re a Hawaii resident or under 18.

Anahola Beach Park
Anahola Beach has a serene location on Kauai’s northeastern coast. Backed by lush hills and swaying palms, camping here is secluded and idyllic. The designated campsite is right on the beach near a sheltered bay ideal for swimming and boogie boarding (the water before the break is generally calm and shallow). However, the waves further out can be quite rough, although it is popular with surfers. 

Camping here is $3 per person per night unless you’re a Hawaii resident or if you’re under 18 years of age.

Lydgate Beach Park
If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot on Kauai’s eastern coast, look no further than Lydgate Beach Park. This well-developed campsite sits where the Wailua River and ocean merge and features picnic areas, playgrounds, restrooms, showers, and lifeguards. 

Two rock-enclosed ponds protect the beach, so the waters are very safe and calm. There are lots of tropical fish in the lagoon, so don’t forget to bring your snorkel gear!

Reservations can be made up to one year in advance, so book early to secure your spot. The cost is $25 per night or $5 if you’re a Hawaii resident.

Lydgate Beach Park is close to the Smith Garden Luau one of the best Kauai luaus, a great Wailua River kayak experience, and a mountain tubing adventure!

Salt Pond Beach Park
On the Kauai’s west side sits Salt Pond Beach Park, another popular campsite known for its protected shallow lagoons. The water here is clear and great for swimming and snorkeling, and there’s a lifeguard on duty, which is a huge plus!

The park is also located next to the only natural salt pond on Kauai, which native Hawaiians still use for cooking and medicinal purposes.

Campers will have access to restrooms, showers, and covered picnic areas during their stay. Camping here is $3 per person per night unless you’re a Hawaii resident or if you’re under 18 years of age.

Private Kauai Campgrounds

Kumu Camp
For those looking for a more upscale camping experience, Kumu Camp at Anahola Beach is an excellent option. In addition to their tented campsites, you also have the choice of booking a yurt, bungalow, or a tentalow (a structured canvased tent).

While the tents and tenatlows are rustic, the yurts are spacious and come with electricity, lighting, and refrigeration. If you’re traveling with a group of more than six people, you can also book the Hale Nui, a military dome-style tent with dorm-style beds and electricity.

Kumu Camp guests also have access to beach volleyball, water spots, yoga classes, and a complimentary coffee hour. 

Prices for Kumu Camp:

• Campsites: $25 – $35 per person
• Tentalow: $85 a night
• Bungalow: $110 a night
• Yurt: $150 – $180 a night
• Hale Nui: $150 – $240 a night

Make reservations online.

Camp Naue by the YMCA
A 15-minute drive past Hanalei will take you to Wainiha, where you’ll find the beautiful Camp Naue property. Five beachfront bunkhouses are containing a total of 50 bunk beds. Although it was designed for large groups, you can book individual beds for $30 a night (make sure you’re okay with sharing the bunkhouse with other guests!). Tent sites are also available for those interested in a more traditional camping experience.

Guests will have access to toilets and hot showers, a covered pavilion, BBQ grills, campfire pits, and a volleyball court. A large kitchen and dining hall can also be booked for an additional fee.

To book your stay or inquire about availability, email campnaue@yahoo.com. Credit cards are not accepted, so you must confirm your reservations through this snail mail address: YMCA of Kauai, P.O. Box 1786, Lihue, HI 96766.

Camp Sloggett
Also run by the YMCA, Camp Sloggett is located in a unique evergreen forest at the top of Waimea Canyon. It’s close to numerous hiking trails, so you can explore Kokee State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park at your leisure. The grounds are rather isolated, but the scenery and nearby stream are absolutely stunning.

The property has a studio, lodge, cottage, and large bunkhouse (unfortunately, tent camping is unavailable now). The lodge and bunkhouse can accommodate up to 15 people, so it’s a good option if traveling with a group. Bathroom facilities and a kitchenette are also available to guests.

Here’s a current price list for the accommodations:

• Mokihana Studio: $80
• Cottage: $165 per night
• Mokihana Half Hale (the Mokihana wing of the Weinberg Bunkhouse): $215 per night
• Sloggett Lodge: $265 per night
• Entire Grounds: $900 per night

You can make your reservation request through their website. The lodge and cottage book out far in advance, so submit your request as soon as you know your dates!

Whether or not you make it to Waimea Canyon for camping, you won’t want to miss the red dirt waterfall there, check out all the best Kauai Waterfalls.

Kauai Cabin Camping

Located in Waimea Canyon, 3,000 feet above sea level, the Cabins at Kokee Park are the best place to get off the beaten track. There’s no TV, no Wifi, and no cell service. But this is the beauty of staying here! You can completely disconnect and enjoy the beautiful nature trails and views of being in the mountains. 

Keep in mind that the temperatures here are much colder than at lower elevations (sometimes 20 degrees lower!). So make sure you bring layers and jackets to keep you warm.

There are four cabins to choose from. Each one has a bathroom, kitchen, and wood-burning stove for heat. 

Prices for the cabins vary depending on the time of year. Generally, a 2-night stay is required, although they offer 1-night stays if there is a last-minute opening. You can book your stay online via the Kokee Park Cabin website.